Date published:
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced a significant milestone for the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme as the first stage of procurement commences this week.
The Scheme which aims to provide safety improvements along the A1 dual carriageway between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland will include the provision of 4 new grade separated ‘flyover’ junctions, the closing up of all gaps in the central reservation and the construction of a continuous central reserve safety barrier along the whole 25km route.
Minister O’Dowd said:
“Major road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety. I have been clear since taking up office that the delivery of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 project is a priority for me.
“I confirmed earlier this year that the scheme would progress to the final delivery stage as a single package of works with ringfenced funding going forward.
“Preparation for the procurement process has been moving forward at pace and I am pleased to confirm that the first phase commences this week with the advertisement of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. This will lead to the identification of a restricted list of tenderers who will then be asked to price the works.
“This is an important step in the delivery of this scheme which will modernise and improve road safety on a key strategic road carrying 40,000 vehicles per day. Following the completion of all the procurement and statutory processes we hope to be in a position to commence work on the scheme in early 2026.”
The full proposals can be viewed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/a1-junctions-phase-2-overview
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption – Minister John O’Dowd has announced a significant milestone for the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme as the first phase of procurement commences this week. The Minister is pictured on site at the A1 with Jonathan Saulters, DfI Transport and Road Asset Management, Director of Major Projects.
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